Longtime Voice of Pistons & Lions Dies

The former voice of the Detroit Lions & Detroit Pistons as well as current play by play announcer for the Cleveland Cavaliers has passed away at the age of 67.

According to WZZM, broadcaster Fred McLeod who was the voice of the Detroit Pistons for over 2 decades has died. No word on the actual cause of death.

McLeod was from Stongsville, Ohio and in his most recent broadcasting duties he was the voice of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Mcleod did 22 seasons with the Pistons which is the longest for any TV only announcer with the same NBA team.

The Cleveland Cavaliers said in a statement: "The entire Cavaliers organization mourns the loss of their great friend and teammate. Fred's deep love for Cleveland and the Cavaliers was clearly evident in everything he did in and around the community and on air during his more than 1, Cavalier game broadcasts. He was a true, heart felt ambassador for the team, fans and entire greater Cleveland community."

The Detroit Pistons said in a statement: "The Detroit Pistons organization expresses tremendous sorrow upon receiving news regarding the unexpected passing of Fred McLeod. Serving as a Pistons broadcaster from 1984-2006, Fred touched the lives of many colleagues, players, and fans through his kindness, his enthusiasm for the team, his storytelling and his passion for the game of basketball. We send our deepest condolences to his wife, Beth, and his entire family during this most difficult time."

The Detroit Lions said in a statement: "It is with true sadness that we mourn the passing of Fred McLeod, who we were fortunate to have return as the television voice of Lions preseason football earlier this year. Fred brought an energy to our broadcasts this summer and demonstrated the same passion for our team the he had for Detroit throughout his broadcasting career. The entire Detroit Lions organization extends its heartfelt sympathies and condolences to his wife, Beth, his family and members of the TV broadcast community he helped mentor for more than four decades."